Islamic Services in Washington, DC
Masjid Ahlul Qur'an Wal Hadeeth, known as the 18th Street Masjid, is an English-speaking masjid in Northeast Washington, DC, serving the District, Maryland, and Virginia since 1996 upon the Salafi manhaj. Below you will find information about Janāzah and burial, Nikāḥ ceremonies, and marriage counseling, including what is required and how to request each service.
Services are handled by the masjid's administration and teachers, who follow the Qur'an and Sunnah upon the understanding of the Salaf and remain connected to the scholars. All requests are kept private. Address: 3415 18th St NE, Washington, DC 20018. Email: info@maqwh.com.
Janāzah & Burial
When a Muslim in the DC area passes away, the masjid helps the family coordinate the funeral rites in accordance with the Sunnah. This includes guidance on ghusl, shrouding, the Janāzah prayer, and burial arrangements.
- Contact the masjid as soon as possible after a death occurs.
- Provide basic information about the deceased and the family’s needs.
- The masjid will advise on next steps and coordinate with local funeral services when needed.
Common questions
- How quickly should the janāzah take place?
- Burial is hastened in Islam, usually within a day where possible. Notify the masjid immediately so ghusl, shrouding, and the janāzah prayer can be arranged without delay.
- Can the janāzah prayer be prayed at the masjid?
- Yes. The janāzah prayer is commonly prayed after one of the daily congregational prayers at the masjid on 18th Street NE. The masjid will confirm the time with the family.
- Does the masjid help with cemeteries in the DC area?
- The masjid can point families toward local funeral homes and cemeteries in the DMV that accommodate Islamic burial, and advise on paperwork and transport. Costs are paid by the family to those providers.
- Who performs the ghusl?
- Ghusl is performed by Muslims of the same gender as the deceased. The masjid helps arrange people from the community when the family does not have someone.
Nikāḥ Ceremonies
The masjid performs Nikāḥ ceremonies for Muslims in the Washington, DC area. A valid Islamic marriage requires a guardian, two witnesses, and the agreement of both parties on the mahr. The masjid can also provide basic guidance on the conditions and requirements of marriage in Islam.
- Submit the Nikāḥ request form in advance so the masjid can prepare.
- Both parties should bring identification and the agreed mahr.
- A guardian and two Muslim witnesses must be present.
Common questions
- What is needed for a nikāḥ at the masjid?
- The walī (guardian) of the bride, two Muslim witnesses, the consent of both parties, and an agreed mahr. Bring identification for both parties.
- What if the bride has no Muslim guardian?
- Mention this on the request form. The masjid will advise on the ruling and how a guardian is appointed in that situation.
- Is the nikāḥ a legal marriage in Washington, DC?
- The masjid performs the Islamic contract. A civil marriage licence is obtained separately from the DC Marriage Bureau; tell the masjid if you want the officiant to sign the licence.
- How far in advance should we submit the request?
- As early as possible, ideally two weeks or more, so a date and an officiant can be confirmed.
- Is there a fee?
- The masjid does not set a fixed fee for the nikāḥ. Donations to the masjid are welcome but not required.
Marriage Counseling
The masjid offers confidential marriage counseling based on the Qur’an and Sunnah upon the understanding of the Salaf. Sessions are arranged with the masjid’s leadership and are intended to help couples resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their marriage according to Islamic principles.
- Counseling is available by appointment.
- Both spouses are encouraged to attend together when possible.
- All matters are handled with discretion and privacy.
Common questions
- Is counseling confidential?
- Yes. Requests are received privately by the masjid's team and what is discussed in a session is not shared with the community.
- Do both spouses have to attend?
- It is better when both attend, but a single spouse may request counseling and advice on their own.
- Is counseling in English?
- Yes. The masjid is English-speaking, and sessions are held in English.
- Do you counsel couples who are not members of the masjid?
- Yes. Muslims across the DMV are welcome to request counseling.
Need help?
If you are unsure which service applies to your situation, or if you need immediate assistance, please contact the masjid directly at info@maqwh.com or visit us at 3415 18th St NE, Washington, DC 20018.